Google’s ‘What’s Happening’ Feature: A Game-Changer for Restaurants and Bars

What is ‘What’s Happening’ and Why It Matters

How It Works

Prominent Placement

The ‘What’s Happening’ feature places timely updates, such as “Today’s Special” or “Live Music on Saturday,” at the top of your Google Business Profile, making them highly visible on Google Search and potentially Google Maps. This prime placement captures user attention and drives immediate engagement.

Eligibility and Availability

Currently, this feature is available to single-location food and drink businesses, including restaurants and bars, in the U.S., UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Google may expand eligibility in the future, so stay tuned for updates.

Benefits for Local Businesses

Boost Customer Engagement

By highlighting timely offers and events, ‘What’s Happening’ encourages customers to visit your business. For example, showcasing a happy hour deal or a weekend brunch special can attract nearby customers searching for dining options.

Enhanced Local SEO

Regular updates via ‘What’s Happening’ signal to Google that your business is active and relevant, potentially improving your local search rankings. This is especially valuable for competing in crowded markets.

How to Use ‘What’s Happening’ Effectively

Best Practices for Posting Updates

To maximize impact, follow these tips:

• Be Specific and Timely: Post updates like “₹500 Margaritas Tonight Only” or “Live Jazz This Friday” to create urgency.
• Use High-Quality Images: Pair your posts with eye-catching photos to grab attention.
• Sync Social Media: Connect your Facebook, Instagram, or X profiles to your Google Business Profile for automatic syncing of posts, saving time.
• Monitor Performance: Use Google Business Profile insights to track how your posts drive calls, clicks, or bookings.

Why Partner with Digiency for Google Business Profile Optimization

At Digiency, we understand the power of local SEO and Google Business Profiles. Our team can help you:

• Optimize your profile with accurate details, high-quality images, and regular ‘What’s Happening’ updates.
• Integrate social media for seamless posting.
• Analyze performance data to refine your strategy.
• Stay ahead of Google’s latest features to maintain a competitive edge.

Ready to make your restaurant or bar stand out? Contact Digiency today for a free consultation and let’s elevate your local presence.